In 1968, at the height of the civil rights movement, the U.S. Department of Education launched a landmark initiative: the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC). Designed to track disparities in educational access, the CRDC has become a critical tool in the fight for equity in American schools.
Without this data, inequities in education could go unnoticed, and federal enforcement of civil rights would be significantly weakened. Now, as the Trump administration moves to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies, advocates fear that the CRDC could be next.
A Vital Resource for Civil Rights
“I think about it every day,” said Catherine E. Lhamon, former assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education under both the Obama and Biden administrations. Lhamon, who also chaired the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, worries about the future of civil rights enforcement under a new administration.
The Trump administration has already removed crucial federal data resources, including DEI-related documents and public health data concerning marginalized communities. Lhamon argues that access to racial and equity data is more crucial now than ever.
“During Trump’s first term, the Office for Civil Rights deleted key data points about student access to advanced courses and narrowed the scope of collection,” Lhamon said. “When we returned, reinstating those indicators was a priority because we know how vital they are.”
The Data Reflects Student Experiences
For decades, the CRDC has exposed inequities in education, offering a data-driven look at discrimination and opportunity gaps.
“It’s not just a legal obligation; this data reflects students’ experiences,” Lhamon said. “Eliminating or limiting this collection would be a devastating loss.”
The most recent CRDC report from the 2021–22 school year highlighted stark disparities. Black students make up 15% of K-12 enrollment but represent only 12% of those enrolled in calculus courses. Fewer than 50% of U.S. high schools offer calculus, with Black students least likely to attend a school that provides the course.
Black students face harsher discipline, comprising 33% of school-related arrests and 20% of corporal punishment cases. Students with disabilities are underrepresented in gifted and talented programs, often due to biased testing and placement processes.
In one case, CRDC data revealed an alarmingly low number of students with disabilities in advanced courses, prompting corrective actions to ensure equitable access.
The Future of Civil Rights Data Collection
Advocates fear that a second Trump administration could either discontinue the CRDC or restrict public access to the data.
“The Office for Civil Rights is legally required to collect this data every two years,” Lhamon explained. “If they were instructed to stop, it would violate federal law.”
Even if the data collection continues, the administration could suppress public access or weaken its scope.
“Not releasing the data would make it difficult for researchers, journalists, educators, and parents to hold schools accountable,” Lhamon warned. “The administration could also limit what data is collected, weakening our national understanding of educational opportunities and civil rights enforcement.”
Advocating for the CRDC
Lhamon urges educators, parents, and advocates to take action in protecting the CRDC. She recommends three key steps:
- Utilize Existing Data – Review CRDC findings, identify inequities in local schools, and push for policy changes.
- Engage with the Department of Education – Participate in public comment periods and voice support for continued data collection and transparency.
- Raise Public Awareness – Share the importance of CRDC data through community forums, social media, and advocacy groups.
A Tool for Equity
Under the Biden administration, efforts were made to make CRDC data more accessible and user-friendly—an initiative Lhamon believes is crucial for ensuring educational equity.
“This data should be a starting point for parents, educators, and community members,” she said. “Everyone deserves access to this information to ensure schools are providing equal opportunities for all students.”
With the future of the CRDC uncertain, the fight for transparency and accountability in education remains more urgent than ever.
Originally reported by Quintessa Williams.